Call me Norma. I am a Druidic priestess and I have a tool shed. My toolshed is in the Druidic barn (did we have barns back in ancient Gaul? never mind) and that's where I keep the kids I bore Pollione, our Roman enemy.

Christian Van Horn is Oroveso in San Francisco Opera's new production of Bellini's Norma. The bel canto gem opened the 2014/15 Season on September 5, making Christian's resounding bass-baritone the first voice to be heard in the Company's 92nd Season.

The production elements are not heaven sent. The set designs of David Korins are clever, but confusing and cluttered. The Kong-size doors, the ready abundance of knives, spears and scythes, keep the eyes very busy and the questions coming.

Sondra Radvanovsky brought the Metropolitan Opera house down last night in her exquisite first performance of the challenging title role in Bellini's Norma, firmly establishing her place in the first rank of bel canto prima donnas as well as the more familiar romantic and dramatic roles of which she is already a recognized diva.